Auto Recyclers Provide Opportunity to Save Big on Car Repairs

Ronnie Tanner
June 3, 2009

With so many industries in the United States taking hits in earnings, there is one that is actually thriving and helping individuals save money at the same time. The auto recycling industry isn’t shrinking, its growing and there are several key factors driving this boom in business. The most important one involves saving the average consumer a substantial amount of money on vehicle repairs.

Anytime there is a down turn in an economy, people generally seek out ways to save money on every front possible. Since vehicle repairs are usually a necessity not a luxury, it is only logical to assume that if there is a way to cut the cost of that necessity, people will utilize it. Choosing to repair a vehicle with quality used parts is a definite way to save money. Up until recently, choosing the option of used parts over new ones was not necessarily the first choice for most. However, with so many losing jobs, this option is now the first one chosen because of the huge savings to be had. Parts bought from automotive recyclers can be up to 75% less than the cost of buying the part new from the dealership. That is a tremendous savings that shouldn’t be left on the table.

The cost of repairing an automobile usually can be broken down into two parts: the cost of the part and the cost of the labor to install the part. Mechanics generally charge a certain amount per hour to repair a vehicle. This time usually includes the removal of the part, any work necessary to prep the vehicle for the new part and the installation of the new part. While there’s not much that can be done about the cost of the labor, it is possible to do something about the cost of the part needed to effect the repair. By choosing to use a quality used part, the cost of the repair can be cut signicantly. For example, I recently needed to replace the dual mass flywheel in my 2004 Volkswagen Beetle. The mechanic gave me an estimate of $1500.00. To break this down, the labor for the repair was going to be around $800.00 because it is a long intricate process to remove and replace this particular part. There’s not much to be done about that process. However, I did a little research and found that to buy the part new from the dealership would cost $700.00. That’s a little less than half the cost of the total repair. I got online and did a little looking. In about 10 minutes I was able to locate the part myself at an auto recycler that was located about 100 miles away. The price for this part including shipping was $300.00. That is a savings of $400.00! My mechanic did not have a problem with installing a used part. Choosing this option saved me a substantial amount of money. I even got a warranty on the part from the auto recycler. Needless to say auto recyclers can be a valuable resource when it comes to auto repairs.

Ronnie Tanner is a contributing writer at Florida Junk Yards. He writes about Florida junk yards and other industry specific topics.

Source: Amazines.com